MILITARY ROUTE

The Viscountcy of Cabrera was structured through a network of castles and fortified houses, which served as the seats of political and military power for the medieval nobility. This defensive system was complemented by a number of walled towns and watchtowers.

This voussoired gateway, with a barrel-vaulted passage, is the only visible surviving element of the medieval walls that once surrounded and protected the town of Blanes. It was one of the four gates providing access to the medieval town and was probably built during the reinforcement of the town’s defences promoted by Violant de Prades, Viscountess of Cabrera, in the second half of the 15th century. On the upper part of the inner side of the gateway, the narrow groove through which the portcullis was raised and lowered can still be seen. Some of the metal door fittings and the side recesses into which the crossbar was inserted are also preserved.